Make no mistake about it: We are not in Kansas any more. While the last year has witnessed the decimation of corporate EHS groups in major multinational companies, as well as layoffs and re-assignments, other EHS departments have been unaffected, or in some instances, grown.
The primary difference between these companies has been the degree to which the EHS leadership has been innovative in defining its mission and vision, generating alignment throughout the company, and stepping up to the table with senior executives as partners in achieving the wider organizational mission.
As we enter a new era with many unknowns, we must engage employees in new and innovative ways. Though leadership is not a natural trait for many of us self-described “technical geeks,” we must seize this opportunity to move beyond basic regulatory compliance and liability reduction and make a difference in our organizations.
© Redinger EHS, Inc. (2010)